The Avensis is probably my least favourite sedan on the market in Europe. To use the description put forth in a recent Genesis review, it's the generic car they use in gas station ads, with no badges. There's just nothing at all that I like about it... it's too upright and square. The grille looks like a tacked-on afterthought (like it's sliding off the car), the taillights are a goofy shape, the body is slab-sided... it's a very undynamic looking car.
That said I did lots of testing on one on a high-speed track a few years back, and it's certainly a competent vehicle. The interior is very likeable... classy and comfortable and very well appointed and finished. It's stable and quiet and composed, even at 220 km/h. Style-wise it's pretty much what many have come to think of Buick, whether it's true or not... competent but totally unengaging, with a face that few will hate but no one will love.
